Masindi Kitara Diocese has held its first-ever retreat for lay leaders and their spouses, bringing together church leaders from across the diocese for spiritual renewal, fellowship, and leadership empowerment.

The three-day retreat was organized under the 2026 Church of Uganda provincial theme, “Anchored in Christ for Unity, Stability and Peace,” drawn from Ephesians Chapter Two verses Fourteen to Seventeen.

Under the leadership of the Bishop of Masindi Kitara Diocese, Rt. Rev. Joshua Kugonza Amooti, lay leaders and their spouses from across the diocese gathered for the inaugural retreat aimed at strengthening church leadership and promoting unity within the body of Christ.

The retreat focused on the Church of Uganda provincial theme for 2026, “Anchored in Christ for Unity, Stability and Peace,” which emphasizes reconciliation, spiritual growth, and peaceful coexistence among Christians and communities.

Masindi Kitara Diocese comprises more than 367 daughter churches, with lay leaders playing a key role in supporting ministry, church administration, and community outreach.

Speaking during the retreat, Bishop Joshua Kugonza Amooti described lay leaders as the foundation of church leadership and called upon them to remain committed to serving the Church with integrity, faith, and unity.

Rev. Dr. Richard Mulindwa, the Head of Church Relations at Uganda Christian University, appreciated the diocese for organizing the retreat, saying the engagement created an opportunity for leaders to share experiences, strengthen fellowship, and deepen their understanding of Christian leadership.

Several lay leaders who attended the retreat also expressed gratitude to the diocese, describing the gathering as impactful and spiritually enriching.

Church leaders say the retreat marks the beginning of a stronger effort to equip lay leaders with the knowledge, spiritual grounding, and leadership skills needed to strengthen ministry and promote peace within communities.